the mountain as dojo: a branch of martial arts emerges…
Others have known about this all along -> we are the first to expand on what is possible and encapsulate a system of self defense in the alt-reality of a winter slope environment with internal + external applications for the adventurous sort of person.
As a teenage boy dancing on skis underneath the chairlift in the toxic environment of 1980’s New England made me a constant target of bullies. Always being harassed by the same type with the usual taunts that were common in the mid-80’s through mid-90’s.
It wasn’t until I incorporated the practice of poles as self defense tools - was I able to put an end to anyone ever saying anything rude to me again in that world.
Summary of what we do and why we do it through the philosophy of Bruce Lee.
Tai Chi Skiing: Dance of the Cosmos
Article from Kung Fu Qigong Magazine -> June 2003
Master Ichin Shen > School of Tao Martial Arts > South Lake Tahoe, California
Master Tanka Ramos demonstrates the use of poles as dual staves or swords in skiing.
In 1993 I was given the template for expressing martial arts through rhythmic and flowing ski movement.